Health
Over 2000 Nigerian Resident Doctors Yet To Receive Seven-Month Arrears Under Tinubu Govt
The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has disputed the Nigerian government’s claim that outstanding arrears of the 25–35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) adjustment have been fully paid, revealing that thousands of doctors are still owed.
Speaking on Channels Television on Friday, NARD National President, Dr Mohammad Suleman, said more than 2000 resident doctors are yet to receive the seven months’ arrears, despite assurances from the President Bola Tinubu-led government.
“On the seven months’ arrears of 25–35 per cent, we still have over 2,000, almost 3,000 of our members who are yet to be paid those arrears,” Suleman said.
The Nigerian government had earlier stated that seven out of the 19 demands presented by the association had been statutorily addressed, including the payment of the CONMESS adjustment.
However, Suleman described the government’s approach as inconsistent, noting that the issue had repeatedly been pushed into service-wide vote provisions rather than being properly captured in the national budget.
“In 2023, it was said to be put inside the service-wide vote if it wasn’t paid. In 2024, it was put in the service-wide vote; in 2025, it was again put there,” he explained.
According to him, resident doctors should not have to rely on repeated special interventions by the President before their lawful entitlements are honoured.
“The President had to make special provision when doctors agitated for that money to be paid. Are we saying these arrears have to go through that route of waiting for service-wide vote after service-wide vote and waiting for the President of the country to specifically intervene before they are captured in the budget?” he asked.
Suleman confirmed that negotiations were ongoing with the Federal Government and the Ministry of Health, expressing cautious optimism that concrete progress could be achieved before the weekend.
“Right now, we are in discussions with the Federal Government team. I would hope that from tonight to tomorrow, to Sunday, a lot of things are going to be done in the proper way,” he said.
He added that any decision on the planned industrial action would be guided by evidence of government goodwill rather than legal threats.
“So that the National Executive Council will now look at it, not in the context of court injunctions and ‘no work, no pay,’ but in the context of what has been done and the evidence that good faith is on the table,” Suleman stated.
Despite a court injunction restraining the association from proceeding with its planned strike, the NARD president insisted that the resolve of its members remained firm.
“I am making it very clear that the resolve of our members is not shaken by all these. All these were factored into the decision to embark on this strike,” he said.
When asked whether the nationwide strike scheduled to commence on Monday would still hold, Suleman said the final call rested with the association’s leadership.
“Unless the National Executive Council of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors says otherwise,” he said.
He also questioned whether the court order adequately addressed the realities facing doctors and patients across the country.
“Are we ignoring the sufferings that doctors are going through in this country? Are we ignoring the suffering that patients go through because doctors are exhausted, frustrated and have difficulties executing their jobs?” he asked.
The National Industrial Court of Nigeria in Abuja had on Friday ordered NARD and its members to suspend the strike slated for January 12. The injunction, granted by Justice Emmanuel Subilim, followed an application filed by the Federal Government and the Attorney General of the Federation after submissions by the Ministry of Justice.
NARD, however, has maintained that it plans to proceed with a total, indefinite strike, citing the Federal Government’s failure to fully implement agreements contained in a Memorandum of Understanding signed after the last strike was suspended on November 29. The association also dismissed allegations that its actions were politically motivated.
Health experts have warned that breast cancer cases among women worldwide could increase significantly in the coming decades if stronger prevention and early detection measures are not implemented.
According to recent global health research, the number of women diagnosed with breast cancer each year is expected to rise by about one-third by the year 2050. The projections indicate that annual cases could increase from roughly 2.3 million cases recorded in 2023 to about 3.5 million cases by mid-century.
Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women globally, and the rising numbers highlight the growing burden the disease may place on healthcare systems around the world.
In addition to the projected rise in new cases, the number of breast cancer-related deaths is also expected to increase significantly. Experts estimate that annual deaths could grow from around 764,000 currently to nearly 1.4 million by 2050, representing an increase of about 44 percent.
Impact Expected to Be Greater in Developing Countries
Although breast cancer affects women in all parts of the world, researchers say the projected increase will likely have a more severe impact on low- and middle-income countries.
Many of these countries face major challenges in providing adequate cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment services. Limited access to modern healthcare facilities often leads to late detection of the disease, which reduces the chances of successful treatment.
In contrast, wealthier nations generally have better screening programmes, improved medical technology, and greater access to specialised treatment. This allows many cases to be detected earlier, increasing survival rates.
Health experts warn that without major improvements in healthcare systems in developing regions, the gap in survival rates between high-income and low-income countries could continue to widen.
Lifestyle Factors Linked to Breast Cancer
The study also highlights the role of lifestyle choices and health conditions that can increase a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer.
Researchers estimate that about 28 percent of breast cancer cases globally are linked to several modifiable risk factors. These include unhealthy lifestyle habits and certain medical conditions that may be preventable.
Some of the key risk factors identified include excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, obesity, high blood sugar levels, low physical activity, and high intake of red meat.
Health professionals say that addressing these factors through public education, improved nutrition, and healthier lifestyle choices could help reduce the number of future breast cancer cases.
Rising Cases Among Younger Women
Another concern raised by researchers is the increasing number of breast cancer diagnoses among younger women, particularly those between the ages of 20 and 54.
Although breast cancer is still more common among women aged 55 and above, experts say cases among younger women have been gradually rising over the years. Changes in lifestyle, environmental factors, and reproductive patterns are believed to contribute to this trend.
Call for Stronger Global Action
Medical experts are calling for greater global efforts to combat breast cancer, including expanded screening programmes, improved access to treatment, and stronger public health campaigns focused on prevention.
They stress that early detection remains one of the most effective ways to reduce deaths from breast cancer. When the disease is identified early, treatment options are often more successful and survival rates are significantly higher.
Researchers also emphasize the need for governments and health institutions to invest more in cancer care infrastructure, especially in countries where access to healthcare services remains limited.
With the number of cases expected to rise sharply in the coming decades, experts say coordinated global action will be essential to reduce the future impact of breast cancer and protect the health of millions of women worldwide.
The National Agency for the Control of AIDS has announced that Nigeria will take delivery of Lenacapavir, a groundbreaking HIV prevention drug that has shown 100% effectiveness in preventing HIV infection in clinical trials.
A short statement released by the Head of Public Relations, NACA, Toyin Aderibigbe, on Monday said the agency has secured regulatory approval from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.
Lenacapavir is an injectable treatment administered twice a year, making it a more convenient alternative to daily oral prevention drugs.
The drug is expected to be available in Nigeria and 119 other low- and middle-income countries at an affordable price of $40 per person annually, thanks to voluntary licensing agreements with generic manufacturers.
“The Government of Nigeria is advancing preparations for the introduction and rollout of Lenacapavir as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).
“This is part of the government’s commitment to strengthen HIV prevention and accelerate progress toward epidemic control,” the statement read.
NACA listed some significant milestones achieved, including completion of landscape and readiness assessments across ten states: Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Benue, Cross River, Ebonyi, FCT, Gombe, Kano, Kwara, and Lagos, alongside regulatory approval by NAFDAC.
“The commodities are expected in the country in March 2026,” NACA noted.
Nigeria has approximately 1.9 million people living with HIV, with a national prevalence of 1.3% among adults aged 15-49 years.
The country recorded 74,000 new HIV infections and 51,000 AIDS-related deaths in 2021.
The South-South zone has the highest HIV prevalence at 3.1%, while women aged 15-49 years are more than twice as likely to be living with HIV as men.
Over N3 billion worth of illegal cosmetics has been discovered in a warehouse at the APT Trade Fair Complex in Lagos State.
According to the National Agency For Food and Drug Administration Control, NAFDAC, the warehouse, concealed in an uncompleted building, was discovered during an enforcement operation.
Items recovered from the facility include 728 cartons of Crusader soap, 718 cartons of E45 soap, and Extract Gold whitening soap, all of which are products banned by the Federal Government.
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NAFDAC also said that other items found in the warehouse are assorted perfumes, body oils and cooking oils which have been placed on hold for further regulatory assessment.
“All seized products have been evacuated to prevent distribution,” the agency stated.
NAFDAC disclosed that the manager of the warehouse has been invited for further investigation as enforcement actions continue.
The agency warned that the sale and usage of banned, fake and illegal cosmetics products pose serious health risks to consumers.
NAFDAC further advised members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the agency’s nearest office, stressing the importance of public corporation in curbing the circulation of unsafe products.
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